What motivates you to exercise?
I am finding lately that my motivation to exercise has changed from wanting to be a certain weight, to wanting to look a certain way, to now really needing the mental part of it. I feel both energized and as though I have accomplished something everytime I finish up my workout.
In the beginning, when just starting to workout at all or maybe adding something new to your workout, your body can feel drained and you are tired. Try to hang on because good things are on their way. I found this great article about the benefits of exercise and shared it on my blog a while ago. Give yourself the time to reap the benefits and stick to it!
In the beginning, when just starting to workout at all or maybe adding something new to your workout, your body can feel drained and you are tired. Try to hang on because good things are on their way. I found this great article about the benefits of exercise and shared it on my blog a while ago. Give yourself the time to reap the benefits and stick to it!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Sarah on -
WholeMom, I envy your motivation switch. I still can't get over the "I wanna look great" part of exercising. Even with that in mind, I haven't been keeping up on my activities ... and I've been wearing looser shirts instead. Motivation ... out the window ... or frozen in the snow perhaps!
I have trouble with sticktoittiveness (yes, that is a word ... it's fabulous) once I start working out. I want instantaneous results, even though I *KNOW* it doesn't happen that way. I've also lost a lot of my stamina since high school and so it sucks to work out and be winded ... and not gain my stamina back as quickly as I used to ... and not see it right away.
Oh I am good with the excuses. LOL
I need to find something that truly motivates me - because right now nothing is.
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Permalink Reply by wholemom on -
Sarah,
I totally understand what you are going through and you ARE really great at excuses :). We all have times when self-motivation seems impossible. I know I have. My suggestion, start small. Just go for a walk maybe, but make yourself do something a few times a week for a couple weeks. You will be proud of yourself, feel better and want to add more eventually. I think people go whole hog sometimes and burn themselves out after one workout. That's not fun!
As far as the stamina goes. You can totally get it back, believe me. I will be 40 in a few months and feel more energized at this point in my life than I have in a long time. Maybe nothing is motivating you today, but try to picture yourself in 20 years or so. You will be glad that you made exercise a part of your life when you are feeling healthy, energetic and younger than all your friends.
Hope this helps and thanks for sharing. I look forward to hearing more from you. You made me laugh!!
Shannan
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Permalink Reply by Sarah on
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Shannan,
At least I know I'm making excuses, right? Hearing someone call me out is good though even though I'm really aware I do it. For years I was great at ignoring those excuses and just working out no matter what I felt like. I need to get back into that mode.
I have access to a gym. I do. There is a small but functional gym in the basement of my work building and I can go to it every.single.day. but I don't. I'll set a small goal of changing that this week. I'll go twice. *nods* I can take my stuff to work with me and go afterward.
I'll touch base tomorrow evening and let you know how it went!
Sarah
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Permalink Reply by wholemom on
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Sounds good to me! And, by the way, I totally understand the boredom. I do my best when my mind is occupied. So being really ticked off or having a project to think about is always good while exercising! Can't wait to hear more.
Shannan
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Permalink Reply by Sarah on
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I've tried listening to podcasts while I work out but get bored even then. Maybe I need to get a book on MP3 to keep my mind occupied. I'm glad that the gym has a TV - it keeps my mind off staring at the "19:45" and "13 calories burned" monitors. (You know, now I have to work out tomorrow ... because otherwise I have to TELL you I skipped it! LOL)
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Permalink Reply by wholemom on
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Too funny!
A book to listen to would be great and help to keep that busy mind of yours occupied. Best of luck sticking to it today!
I got my workout in and actually felt great doing it. By tomorrow I will be hobbling around I'm sure but Wed. is usually my mid-week day of rest.
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Permalink Reply by wholemom on
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Okay Sarah, you've inspired me to get my next book club book (which I would otherwise never have time to finish) on audio. The library is holding it for me and I am picking it up tomorrow. Now I can kill two birds with one stone. Run and listen!
Thanks for the great idea,
Shannan
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Permalink Reply by Lisa on -
Hello wholemom! It's wonderful to be a part of this new active group! This is such a great and relevant discussion which has motivated me to write a response in my blog post The Habitual Gym Quitter. Please feel free to check it out! I look forward to discussing more with you!
Thanks,
Lisa
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